LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Higher 1
(Syllabus 8811)
CONTENTS
Page

AIMS

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

APPENDIX A: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

APPENDIX B: EDITIONS USED FOR SETTING QUESTIONS

Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board

MOE & UCLES 2013

13

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

AIMS
To develop in students:
1.

an appreciation of, and informed personal response to, Literature in English;

2.

a love of reading through exposure to a wide range of texts;

3.

the ability to read texts independently;

4.

an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts for literary production;

5.

an understanding of the nature and methods of literary study;

6.

the skills of critical literary analysis;

7.

the ability to communicate ideas effectively and persuasively.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
1.

make informed personal and critical responses to the texts and account for their responses;

2.

demonstrate how the literary context of the text informs their understanding of the text;

3.

critically analyse and evaluate ways in which writers choices of form, structure and language shape
meanings;

4.

clearly communicate the knowledge, understanding and insights appropriate to literary study.

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
One compulsory written examination of 3 hrs duration will be set.
ASSESSMENT MODE
The Examination is open book: candidates will be allowed to bring copies of their set texts into the
examination room.
(a) Materials that can be taken into the examination room
Only original texts (original published editions) should be taken into the examination room. Nothing else,
including critical works or study notes of any kind, should be taken into the examination room. The use
of dictionaries is not permitted.
(b) Underlining and highlighting of texts
Only underlining, highlighting or the use of vertical lines in the margins is permitted. Nothing else should
be written in the texts. Separate pieces of paper such as post-its and tape flags are not allowed.
(c) Folding and flagging of pages
Any kind of folding or flagging of pages in texts (e.g. use of post-its, tape flags or paper clips) is not
permitted.

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

QUESTION TYPES AND SPECIFICATIONS

The questions in the examination focus on two areas of skill Response and Analysis.
(i)

Response
This is the candidates ability to respond to either an unseen text extract, or a passage from a set text.
In doing so, candidates demonstrate the ability to analyse both the formal and stylistic features of the
extract (Assessment Objectives i and iii). This skill is assessed in Sections A, B and C of the
examination paper.

(ii) Analysis
This is the candidates ability to write a critical analysis of the set texts they have studied.
In doing so, candidates will demonstrate an ability to make an informed personal and critical response
to the text as a whole (Assessment Objectives i, ii and iii). This skill is primarily assessed in Sections B
and C of the examination paper.

All of these types of questions will also require the candidate to organise and present information, ideas and
arguments clearly and effectively (Assessment Objective iv). Their grammar, punctuation, and spelling will
also be taken into account.

PAPER 1: READING LITERATURE (3 hours)

Paper 1 is designed to give students broad exposure to literary study. The texts set will be texts of
recognised importance and significance. Candidates will answer one question from each of the three
Sections. All questions hold equal weight in the computing of marks for the paper (i.e. 33% each).
Section A: Poetry
Two questions will be set, primarily focusing on response skills (see Question Types and Specifications).
Each question will require the candidate to respond to an unseen poem. The candidate will answer one
question.
Section B: Prose
In this section, the student will study one of the following prose texts:
**
**
**

Edith Wharton: The Age of Innocence

Kazuo Ishiguro: The Remains of the Day
Jane Austen: Mansfield Park
Graham Swift: Waterland

Two questions will be set for each text, primarily focusing on analysis skills (see Question Types and
Specifications). One question will be an essay question, the other will be a passage-based question. The
candidate will answer one question on one text.
Section C: Drama
In this section, the student will study one of the following drama texts.
**

**

John Webster: The Duchess of Malfi

William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night
Samuel Beckett: Waiting for Godot
Arthur Miller: All My Sons

Two questions will be set for each text, primarily focusing on analysis skills (see Question Types
and Specifications). One question will be an essay question, the other will be a passage-based question.
The candidate will answer one question on one text.

**

set also for 2016 and 2017

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

AREAS OF STUDY
The study of Literature at H1 level should be seen as a process of critically examining texts.
In addition to the study of inherent stylistic features of texts, students should also explore the specific
contexts that led to the production of these texts, as well as how readers and audiences relate to the texts.
Students should engage with texts at various cognitive and affective levels. As the study of Literature covers
multiple aspects which may not always be easily demarcated, the following areas of study are broad
indications of the ground that could be covered in the course of teaching Literature.
(i)

Literary Features
These include:

The definition of a genre, the individual form of the text and its stylistic features.

Study of how these features are used by authors, and to what effect, in the various texts, seen and
unseen, that students encounter.

(ii) Text and Context

An appreciation of how the texts studied relate to the contexts in which they were created, including
social, cultural and historical contexts.

Exploration of the ideologies and assumptions in the texts. A more informed interrogation of the
text can be made when students are aware of the events and ideas that predominated during the
period in which these texts were created.

How texts relate to movements in artistic creation at a particular point in time. The study of literary
forms is relevant here. For example, it is useful for students reading a sonnet written by a Romantic
poet to have an understanding of the general features of the Romantic movement as well as
knowledge of how the sonnet form has developed in Literature in English up to that point.

(iii) Language Use

Proficiency in the use of the English language in both a functional and literary sense.

Study of language use at the grammatical, lexical and structural levels.

Examination of elements of style, such as register, figurative language, rhythm and language
patterns.

Understanding of the effects of the use of language to create meaning by writers from the word
level right through to discourse levels.

SPECTRUM OF SKILLS
Candidates should be equipped with the following skills:
(i)

An ability to make informed personal and critical responses to the texts and account for their responses.

(ii)

An ability to understand and comment on the ways in which the historical and cultural backgrounds of
text and author inform the meaning of the text.

(iii) An ability to analyse and evaluate critically the ways in which writers choices of form, structure and
language shape meanings.
(iv) An ability to communicate clearly knowledge, understanding and insights appropriate to literary study.

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

Skills

Examples

(i)

Make informed
personal and critical
responses to the
texts and account
for their responses.

(ii)

Demonstrate how
the literary context
of the text informs
their understanding
of the text.

(iii)

Critically analyse
and evaluate ways
in which writers
choices of form,
structure and
language shape
meanings.

(iv) Clearly
communicate the
knowledge,
understanding and
insights appropriate
to literary study.

Develop an informed personal response

Make connections between their own ideas and experiences and
those in the text
Reflect critically on the development of their own informed
response
Comment on the ways in which both content and form shape the
readers response
Demonstrate knowledge of ways in which a text invites the reader
to respond
Demonstrate knowledge of some key social, cultural and historical
influences in the creation of texts
Comment on ways in which characters, viewpoints, and situations
convey the social conventions, beliefs and attitudes of individuals
and groups in a particular society
Identify and interpret the ideas, viewpoints and values expressed
in a text
Understand literary influences and traditions and the notion of
reader, text and author
Understand the elements of literary genres
Analyse literary form including structure, setting, character,
conflict, plot, methods of characterization, themes
Analyse stylistic devices including voice, persona, symbolism,
irony, mood and tone
Analyse the use of language including register, diction, tone,
imagery, rhythm in a text
Recognise imaginative or dramatic techniques for creating effects
Present a sustained interpretation supported by appropriate and
detailed references to the text(s).
Present an evaluative/critical comparison and make connections
between two or more texts
Demonstrate an ability to write effective literary essays to convey
their knowledge and understanding of, and insight into the texts
Show an ability to use appropriate literary terms in their responses
Present a clear and coherent argument in support of their ideas.

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

APPENDIX A:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

Section A

Band Descriptors

Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

The descriptors are intended as a guide to the likely characteristics of work in a particular mark band. It is not
expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal proportions. It is essential
that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work they are assessing.
Examiners approach to the assessment of work should always be positive, based on what the candidate has
written and never on what she/he has not written. In other words, work should not be penalised for failure to
make points or adopt critical approaches and styles predetermined by examiners. However, where a
candidates execution of his/her chosen approach involves significant errors or omissions, these will be noted
and will legitimately influence the mark awarded.
The descriptors do not list every possible literary feature that may be identified by candidates, but candidates
will be rewarded for detailed comment on language, form and style such as: structure, genre, diction, syntactical
devices, register, imagery, tone, rhythm, rhyme, linguistic patterns and dramatic qualities.

2225
Very good work, showing discrimination and sometimes originality, in making an informed personal and critical
response to the poem
Engages with the poem through detailed close analysis
Analyses with skill and discrimination ways in which writers uses of poetic form, structure and language creates
the meanings of the poem
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with a mature judgement and clear focus on
the question and key issues
Develops a seamless, coherent response to the question
Uses quotation, paraphrase and critical terminology appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the poem; it is often subtle, concise and
sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to complex ideas; at the upper end this
work may be elegant and allusive

1821
Proficient work, making an informed personal and critical response to the poem
Engages with the poem through close analysis
Analyses with skill ways in which writers uses of poetic form, structure and language create the meanings of the
poem
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form and style and language with constant reference to the question
Develops a coherent response to the question
Uses quotation, paraphrase and some critical terminology appositely
Uses a style that is always clear, mostly fluent, capable of giving accurate expression to complex ideas

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the poem with some personal response
Makes a close analysis of the poem, at times simply following line by line
Analyses ways in which writers uses of poetic form, structure and language create the meanings of the poem
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form and style and language
Develops a structured response to the question
Uses quotation, paraphrase and some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the poem and the
issues raised by poem and question, with only occasional lapses

1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the poem that shows sound knowledge and some personal response
Analyses the poem in a line-by-line fashion
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, style and language create the meanings of the
poem
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the poems with some attempt at evaluation of
the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time though with some digression; assembles relevant points into a
simply structured response
Makes use of quotation, and paraphrase and may use some critical terminology, with some misunderstanding
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the poem and the issues raised
by poem and question, with only occasional obscurity

69
Uneven work, making a response to the poem that shows some understanding
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of poetic form, structure and language with some analysis of the
ways in which they create the meanings of the poem
Makes some attempt at evaluation of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with
some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set at first, but tends to digress
Assembles points rather than analyses, tending to list points and make general assertions
Makes some use of paraphrase or quotation; limited reference to critical terminology
Uses a simple style, or possibly an over-complex style that succeeds most of the time in communicating
knowledge and understanding of the poem

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

15
Some attempt to hold to poem and question, showing a simplistic approach to the task
The work is often brief, undeveloped, and exists as a series of points rather than as a line of argument
Expression is simple, technical errors are recurrent, and the work relies on narrative rather than analysis,
although description is sometimes valid

0
To be awarded only where there is no evidence of any knowledge of, or response to the poem

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

Sections B and C

Band Descriptors

Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

The descriptors are intended as a guide to the likely characteristics of work in a particular mark band. It is not
expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal proportions. It is essential
that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work they are assessing.
Examiners approach to the assessment of work should always be positive, based on what the candidate has
written and never on what she/he has not written. In other words, work should not be penalised for failure to
make points or adopt critical approaches and styles predetermined by examiners. However, where a
candidates execution of his/her chosen approach involves significant errors or omissions, these will be noted
and will legitimately influence the mark awarded.
The descriptors do not list every possible literary feature that may be identified by candidates, but candidates
will be rewarded for detailed comment on language, form and style such as: structure, genre, diction, syntactical
devices, register, imagery, tone, rhythm, rhyme, linguistic patterns and dramatic qualities.

2225
Very good work, showing discrimination and sometimes originality, in making an informed personal and critical
response to the text
Analyses with skill and discrimination ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the
meanings of the text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with a mature judgement and clear focus on
the question and key issues
Develops a seamless, coherent argument relevant to the question
Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/genre/
historical context
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the text, using quotation, paraphrase and critical terminology
appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the question set; is often subtle, concise
and sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to complex ideas; at the upper end
this work may be elegant and allusive

1821
Proficient work, making an informed personal and critical response to the text
Analyses with skill ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with constant reference to the question
Develops a coherent argument relevant to the question
Demonstrates, where relevant, a good understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of period/
theme/genre/historical context
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the text, using quotation, paraphrase and some critical
terminology appositely
Uses a style that is always clear, mostly fluent; able to give accurate expression to complex ideas

10

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the text with some personal response
Analyses ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language
Develops a structured response to the question
Demonstrates a sound understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/genre/
historical context
Supports with appropriate reference to the text at times too much or too little, using quotation, paraphrase and
some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the text and the
issues raised by text and question, with only occasional lapses

1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the text that shows sound knowledge and some personal response
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the
text
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the text with some attempt at evaluation of the
effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time within a simple structure though with some digression into
generality
Demonstrates at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/genre/
historical context
Supports some points with appropriate reference to the text, using quotation and paraphrase mostly accurately
perhaps uses some critical terminology, with some misunderstanding
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the text and the issues raised
by text and question, with only occasional obscurity

69
Uneven work, making a response to the text that shows knowledge of the text
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of form, structure and language with some analysis of the ways in
which they create the meanings of the text
Makes some attempt at evaluation of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with
some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set at first, but tends to digress and lacks structure
May demonstrate at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/genre/
historical context, but without understanding of how this relates to the individual text
Supports some points with reference to the text; relies mostly on assertion, with repetition; uses quotation and
paraphrase at times, possibly not wholly accurate, at too great a length and without discrimination

11

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

Uses a simple style, or possibly an over-complex style that succeeds most of the time in communicating
knowledge and understanding of the text

15
Some attempt to hold to text and question showing a simplistic approach to the task
The work is often brief, undeveloped, and exists as a series of points rather than as a line of argument
Expression is simple, technical errors are recurrent, and the work relies on narrative rather than analysis,
although description is sometimes valid

0
To be awarded only where there is no evidence of any knowledge of, or response to the text

12

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

APPENDIX B:
EDITIONS USED FOR SETTING QUESTIONS

13

8811 H1 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2015)

Note:

These are not prescribed editions. However, Centres may wish to consult this list before
deciding which editions their candidates should purchase.

Paper 1: Reading Literature

Author

Title of Book

Publisher

Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence

Penguin Popular Classics

Kazuo Ishiguro

The Remains of the Day

Faber

Jane Austen

Mansfield Park

Penguin Classics

Graham Swift

Waterland

Picador

John Webster

The Duchess of Malfi

New Mermaids, A&C Black

William Shakespeare

Twelfth Night

Alexander ed., Harper Collins

Samuel Beckett

Waiting for Godot

Faber

Arthur Miller

All My Sons

Methuen

14